Primary tabs

Drought causes concern for lemon growers

Thu, 11/09/2017 - 08:22

While the rainfall of recent days has gone some way to replenishing water reserves after a hot and dry summer, it hasn’t been able to rectify the damage caused to Menton’s famous lemons. Following the long drought of 2017, farmers in the region are expecting their harvests to fall by 30%.

It is estimated that around 40 tonnes of citrus from 2,000 trees in the Menton area will be harvested in the early months of next year, but that equates to just under a third less than usual.

The lack of rainfall hasn’t been the only scourge either. Destructive activities by wild boars and a fall in the number of bees have also been a cause of concern.

In 2015, the Citron de Menton was awarded the IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) status. It distinguishes agricultural products whose quality is linked to the geographical origin of the product.